Kerry Veach

When it comes to energy efficiency through solar power, Destin, FL homes have a huge advantage.  Being in a sunny climate year round offers many more opportunities than are available in other parts of the country.  One of these opportunities is a solar water heater.

On average, a solar water heater will cut your water heating bills down by 50 – 80%.  If you’re planning on refinancing, include the price of a solar water heater in a new 30-year mortgage.  This will usually amount to between $13 and $20 per month. In addition, the federal income tax deduction for mortgage interest attributable to the solar system reduces that by about $3–$5 per month.

Now, you’re probably wondering about cost.  Not surprisingly, a solar water heater is more expensive than a conventional water heater.  However, as you just read, the savings far outweigh the additional upfront expense.  The unit itself will run just over $1,000 (depending on size, model, etc.)

If you want to estimate how much the unit will save you, you’ll need to know:  1. The system’s solar energy factor (SEF) and 2.  The auxiliary tank fuel type (gas or electric) and costs (your local utility can provide current rates).  Once you have that information, plug those numbers into the following equation:

With a gas auxiliary tank system:

You need to know the unit cost of fuel by Btu (British thermal unit) or therm. (1 therm = 100,000 Btu)

365 × 41,045/SEF × Fuel Cost (Btu) = estimated annual cost of operation

OR

365 × 0.4105/SEF × Fuel Cost (therm) = estimated annual operating cost

Example: Assuming the SEF is 1.1 and the gas costs $1.10/therm

365 × 0.4105/1.1 × $1.10 = $149.83

With an electric auxiliary tank system:

You need to know or convert the unit cost of electricity by kilowatt-hour (kWh).

365 × 12.03/SEF × Electricity Cost (kWh)= estimated annual operating cost

Example: Assuming the SEF is 2.0 and the electricity costs $0.08/kWh

365 X 12.03/2.0 X $0.08 = $175.64

Make sure you check the Veach View Blog frequently to get more energy (and money) saving tips.  And as always, if you or anyone you know is interested in buying real estate in Destin, FL, or selling a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach online or call him directly at 1.800.879.0309.

With over 1,000 closings, 20+ years of experience and a full-time real estate team, it’s no surprise that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

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A new six building condominium project is scheduled to be built in Sandestin, a golf beach resort that was rated “Best Resort” in Destin by Destin Magazine, and the “Best Resort of the Emerald Coast” by the readers of Emerald Coast Magazine.  This community, Osprey Pointe, will offer a limited number of reservations for two and three-bedroom units exclusively to Sandestin homeowners, and opened to the public in about one month.

The four-story condo buildings, each containing 16 units, will be located off of Heron Walk Drive and overlook Choctawhatchee Bay.  This central bay front location is a brief walk to the tunnel that goes to the beach, walking distance to the village, and a golf cart ride from any of the Grande Boulevard amenities.

The horseshoe designed community will feature its own clubhouse center, a lookout tower, and an exquisite pool area.  The units will feature European fixtures and cabinets, custom moldings, walk-in showers, expansive balconies, and plenty of amenities.  Prices will range from $450,000 to $550,000 range.

If you have considered purchasing a new home, don’t begin shopping around without your Destin, FL Realtor to represent you.  Builders have sales representatives that can assist you throughout the purchase process, but remember that these representatives are working for the builder – not you.  If you would like to buy a home in Destin, FL, or sell a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach online or by calling 1.800.879.0309. With over 1,000 closings, 20+ years of experience  and a full-time real estate team, it’s no surprise that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Is your Retirement Account dwindling down? Are you worried about the stock market? Banks are only paying you 1% on your retirement savings. Now is the time to take advantage of low real estate prices, lowest interest rates ever in our life time. Income producing real estate that will cash flow, rentals at 0% vacancy rates. I’m investing my IRA into buying condo in Destin that is income producing real estate. My partner Brad Shoults (OICE) Investment Specialist, he has a program that can show you your ROI on any property over 5-10 or 20 years. He can show you how to buy real estate using your IRA; he help you find the investments. There has never been a better time to rebuild your retirement.

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Equity Trust Company

After waiting almost six years since the housing bust, developers are ready to invest in Destin, FL real estate again.  Several projects have already been slated as the anticipation grows for this desirable vacation destination.

“We’ve still got plenty to do,” Community Development Director, Ken Gallander, told The Destin Log. “We are working on our comprehensive plan and other long-term planning goals….People seem to be reinvesting in what they already have.” he added.  “Destin is going to set itself up as a place where there are a whole lot of things to do…People want to be around the water, they love it…The harbor is the No. 1 spot — it has a broad-based appeal.”

Redevelopment will also play a key role in the renovation efforts.  Many older buildings will probably be replaced with newer homes to satisfy the high demand for housing variety.

Here is a list of development projects in Destin, FL:

Beach Pointe Condominiums II
This five-story building will be located on Crystal Beach, south of Scenic Highway 98.
Caretta Dunes
This project boasts two five-story buildings with 80 units, also on Crystal Beach.
Harbor Reflections
This building will be 15 stories high with 28 condo units and 99 hotel rooms.
Henderson Beach Resort
This building – located on 13 acres along Crystal Beach – will be 60-feet tall and contain 313 condo units.

While these projects were all approved several years ago, progress was stalled due to the recession.  However, thanks to wide-spread optimism based on real estate market data that has been collected and analyzed over the past 12 months, developers are ready to restart construction.

If you would like to begin your search for homes in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach.  Kerry is an experienced Realtor who can help you buy or sell real estate in Destin, FL.  With over 1,000 closings and a full-time real estate team, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

According to data released by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, home prices have increased by six percent along the Emerald Coast in Florida.  This may be due in large part to a continuously low inventory and high demand from buyers.

Though homes sales were down in May 2012 from May 2011, this data does not appear to be indicative of the overall housing market’s condition – again, due to the extremely low inventory.  Single family homes sales in May 2012 dropped 1.7 percent from 12 months ago, while townhomes and condos dropped 7 percent.  Pending sales, however, have increased – 5.4 percent for single family homes and 13.1 percent for townhomes/condos.

Realtors in the Emerald Coast are reporting that many homes are receiving multiple offers.  This makes a strong argument that the market is beginning to transition into a seller’s market.  As multiple offers continue to roll-in, values will continue to improve.  As values improve, many homeowners will begin to get out of the red and can consider selling their Emerald Coast homes.

“Frankly, this is basic theory of supply and demand,” said Rutland.  “As the supply goes down and the demand continues to rise, the prices will rise.  While this is still a buyer’s market the pendulum is not swinging as far into the buyers’ favor as it was just two and three short years ago.  A buyer who believes sellers are desperate to sell may be surprised.”

Another bit of good news is that foreclosures and short sales are decreasing.   In Okaloosa County, closed foreclosure transactions decreased by 46.2 percent over May of last year, while completed short sales decreased by 33.3 percent.   While short sales and foreclosures continue to be a force in the real estate market, the reduction in their numbers leads real estate experts to believe that the housing market is recovering.

If you are interested in selling or searching homes in the Emerald Coast, Florida, contact Kerry Veach.  Kerry is an experienced Realtor who can help you buy or sell Emerald Coast, FL real estate.  With over 1,000 closings and a full-time real estate team, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net